Local News
County Durham Business Sponsors 193rd Durham Regatta
The Banks Group has been announced as a new sponsor for this year’s Durham Regatta. The North East-based property, housebuilding and mining firm, which is headquartered in County Durham, has joined as one of the principal supporters of the prestigious event’s 193rd edition, taking place on Satur...
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Major emergency response to rescue man in North East river after altercation broke out
An 'intoxicated' 50-year-old man was taken to hospital and another arrested after an incident over the Bank Holiday weekend
Full list of North East road closures and roadworks this week
All the planned road closures and roadworks across the region for the week beginning Monday, May 25
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Sex offender, 80, dies in hospital while serving 25 year sentence at Frankland prison
Gordon Preece was sentenced to 25 years behind bars in May 2016 for sex offences
Durham Brass Festival Reveals Locations for 2026 Big and Little Brass Bashes
Locations have now been revealed for one of the most popular features of Durham Brass Festival. The festival’s much-loved Big and Little Brass Bashes will once again head out on tour this year, bringing a series of free live performances to towns and communities across County Durham. With new loca...
New ANPR Parking System Introduced at Darlington Memorial Hospital
A new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system went live at Darlington Memorial Hospital on Thursday 21 May 2026. The updated system replaced traditional paper tickets and now uses camera technology to record vehicle registration numbers as cars enter and leave both the visitor car p...
£1 Million Project Restores Rare Coastal Grasslands Along Durham Heritage Coast
A major project to restore coastal grasslands along the Durham Heritage Coast has now been successfully completed. Led by Durham County Council and the Heritage Coast Partnership, in collaboration with National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust, the £1 million initiative was funded through the Govern...
Durham breast surgeon stopped from practicing during investigation fails to have restrictions lifted
Consultant Amir Bhatti, works at the University Hospital of North Durham, is currently unable to treat patients
Dalton Park Celebrates Nature and Wildlife with Half Term Pollinator Park Events
This May half term, Dalton Park is inviting families, nature enthusiasts and young eco-explorers to enjoy its popular Pollinator Park, with a special programme of activities celebrating wildlife, biodiversity and the arrival of an eye-catching new willow sculpture. As the park bursts into bloom for ...
Thousands of Peg Dolls to Go on Display for Stockton and Darlington Railway Celebrations
More than 10,000 decorated peg dolls created to celebrate 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway journey began in County Durham are set to go on public display next week. The dolls were produced as part of commemorations marking the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, ...
Wynyard Fashion Entrepreneur Shortlisted for Three North East Business Awards
A sustainable fashion entrepreneur who turned a living-room hobby into a high-end styling boutique has been shortlisted for three major honours at the 2026 FB Fashion Ball Business Hero Awards on Thursday.Maddie Sidebottom, founder of Wynyard Re:Loved, is in the running for North East Independent Bu...
Into the Light Launches £80,000 Creative Commissions Programme Across County Durham
County Durham-based arts and culture partnership, Into the Light, has stepped back into the spotlight and announced Cultivate Commissions: new commission opportunities for the creative community, worth a total of almost £80,000.At its latest Spotlight Series event at Redhills Durham Miners Hall, In...
Free Circus Festival Returns to Spennymoor Town Centre This Weekend
The circus is rolling into town this weekend with a packed programme of free entertainment and family-friendly activities. Durham County Council is once again bringing a vibrant family fun event to Spennymoor Town Centre this Saturday, 23 May. Funded by the All Together for Spennymoor Pride in Place...
New Durham Arts Destination The Light Names Experienced Curator as Artistic Director
An experienced curator and producer has been appointed to head up a new cultural destination ahead of its launch later this summer. Tony Guillan has been named artistic director of The Light, Durham County Council’s newest cultural venue and visitor attraction in Durham. Bringing together contempo...
New Durham Explorer Bus Routes to Connect Visitors with County Attractions
Three new bus routes are being introduced across County Durham to help residents and visitors discover some of the region’s most popular attractions. Durham County Council has commissioned the Durham Explorer services, which will operate on weekends and bank holidays from 23 May until 31 August th...
Durham Energy Council Pushing for Fairer Renewable Transition in the North East
Working-class communities must be at the heart of the green energy transition, climate action organisation Threads in the Ground has warned. The North East is rapidly emerging as the UK’s renewable energy powerhouse. The region has strong foundations to lead the renewable energy transition, incâ€...
County Durham family hub forced to shut doors after rats found by pest controllers
A County Durham family hub has been forced to close after rats were discovered at the site.
Jury retires in trial of ex-Newton Aycliffe councillor accused of sexual assault
The jury has retired to begin its deliberations in the trial of ex-Newton Aycliffe councillor Neville Jones, who is accused of sexually assaulting two women.
Rise in city centre footfall hailed as major tourism boost for County Durham
Increased visitor numbers and growing demand for business space have boosted Durham’s economy, city officials have said.
Parents name Durham nursery one of the best in the North East
Busy Bees Nursery in Durham has been recognised as one of the top 20 in the North East by parents.